Alabama has a licensed PPEC program that provides medical daycare to children with complex needs. If your child requires skilled nursing during the day, a PPEC center can deliver that care while giving them a chance to play, learn, and socialize with other kids. The program is covered by Alabama Medicaid at no cost to eligible families.
Alabama's PPEC network is small compared to states like Florida, but licensed centers do operate in the state. This guide covers what Alabama families need to know: how the program works, who qualifies, where to find centers, and what to do if no center is near you.
Looking for PPEC programs in other states? See our complete state-by-state PPEC guide.
Key Takeaways
- Alabama licenses PPEC centers under Medicaid for children from birth through age 20 with medically complex conditions.
- Cost: $0 for eligible families. Alabama Medicaid covers PPEC services with no copays or deductibles.
- The number of licensed centers is limited. Alabama has fewer PPEC providers than states with larger programs like Florida or Texas.
- Cross-border options exist. Families in southern Alabama near the Georgia or Florida state line may be able to access PPEC centers in neighboring states through Medicaid reciprocity.
- Services include skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, developmental activities, and caregiver support.
What Is a PPEC Center?
PPEC stands for Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care. A PPEC center is a licensed, non-residential medical daycare that serves children with complex medical needs. It combines hospital-level nursing care with a daycare environment: your child receives skilled medical attention during the day, then comes home to your family each evening.
PPEC centers are not regular daycares. They are staffed by registered nurses and licensed therapists who manage conditions like tracheostomies, G-tube feedings, seizure disorders, ventilator dependency, and more. Children also participate in therapy sessions, developmental activities, and socialization with peers.
Learn more about why families choose medical daycare over other care options.
How Alabama's PPEC Program Works
Alabama's Medicaid program covers Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care for eligible children. Here is what the program looks like in the state.
Program overview:
- Official name: Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC)
- Ages served: Birth through age 20
- Medicaid coverage: Yes, fully covered. No copays, no deductibles.
- Licensing authority: Alabama Medicaid Agency
- Program size: Small. Alabama has a limited number of licensed PPEC centers compared to states like Florida, which has dozens.
Services provided at Alabama PPEC centers:
- Skilled nursing care (medication administration, trach care, tube feedings, respiratory support)
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Nutritious meals tailored to each child's dietary needs
- Developmental and play-based activities organized by age and ability
- Caregiver education and family support
Alabama's program follows the same core model used in other PPEC states: children receive comprehensive medical and therapeutic care during the day, then return home to their families each evening.
Who Qualifies for PPEC in Alabama?
To be eligible for PPEC services in Alabama, a child generally must meet these criteria:
- Enrolled in Alabama Medicaid. The child must have active Medicaid coverage in the state.
- Under 21 years of age. Alabama's PPEC program serves children from birth through age 20.
- Diagnosed with a medically complex condition that requires ongoing skilled nursing care.
- Medically stable enough to receive care in a group daycare setting rather than a hospital.
- Physician prescription for PPEC services, with a documented plan of care.
Common qualifying conditions include cerebral palsy, ventilator dependency, respiratory failure, seizure disorders, congenital heart conditions, and children who are technology-dependent (trach, G-tube, oxygen).
Not sure if your child qualifies? Start with your child's pediatrician or specialist. They can evaluate medical necessity and write the prescription needed to begin enrollment. You can also learn more about PPEC eligibility requirements here.
How to Find PPEC Centers in Alabama
Because Alabama's PPEC program is smaller, finding a center may take some effort. Here is how to search.
Steps to find an Alabama PPEC provider:
- Visit the Alabama Medicaid Provider Search tool.
- Search by service type for Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care or pediatric medical daycare.
- Filter by your county or city.
- Contact centers directly to confirm availability, hours, and current enrollment status.
You can also call the Alabama Medicaid Agency at (334) 242-5000 for help locating PPEC providers in your area. Their main website, medicaid.alabama.gov, has additional program information.
If no PPEC center operates near you, keep reading. Alabama families in border areas have additional options, and there are alternative services available statewide.
Cross-Border Access: Alabama, Georgia, and Florida
This section matters for families in southern Alabama. If the nearest PPEC center is across the state line in Georgia or Florida, your child may still be able to attend through Medicaid reciprocity.
How cross-border PPEC works:
- PPEC centers in bordering states that regularly serve out-of-state Medicaid recipients can enroll as providers with the neighboring state's Medicaid program.
- The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) documents this cross-border provision for PPEC specifically.
- Georgia also has PPEC centers in cities like Atlanta, Savannah, and Macon that may be accessible to Alabama families near the eastern border.
What this means for Alabama families:
- If you live near Dothan, Enterprise, or the Wiregrass area, PPEC centers in the Florida panhandle or South Georgia may be closer than Alabama-based options.
- If you live near Phenix City or the Columbus, GA metro area, Georgia PPEC centers could be within reach.
- Always confirm directly with the PPEC center and your Alabama Medicaid plan before enrolling. Cross-border enrollment requires the out-of-state provider to be enrolled with your state's Medicaid program.
Spark Pediatrics operates centers across Florida, including locations in the Jacksonville area and other parts of North Florida. If you are an Alabama family near the Florida or Georgia border, a Spark center may be an option for your child.
Alabama families near the FL/GA border: Spark Pediatrics has centers in Florida that may be accessible to your family. See our locations or check if your child qualifies for coverage.
What If No PPEC Center Is Near You?
Alabama's limited PPEC network means some families will not have a center within driving distance. If that is your situation, these alternatives can help.
Private Duty Nursing (PDN): Available through Alabama Medicaid. A nurse provides skilled care for your child at home. The downside: your child misses the socialization, therapy, and structured activities that PPEC offers. Read why more families choose PPEC over private nursing when available.
Alabama's Early Intervention Program (AEIS): For children birth through age 2, this federally mandated program provides developmental services, therapy, and family support. Contact the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services at (800) 543-3098 to learn more.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers: Alabama Medicaid offers waiver programs that fund services like respite care, personal care aides, therapy, and adaptive equipment for children with complex needs.
Children's of Alabama TEAL Program: Based in Birmingham, the Pediatric Complex Care (TEAL) Program provides care coordination for children with multiple chronic conditions. It is not a PPEC center, but it can help families navigate the healthcare system and connect with resources. Call (205) 638-5990 for more information.
What you can do right now:
- Call the Alabama Medicaid Agency at (334) 242-5000 and ask specifically about PPEC providers in your area.
- Talk to your child's pediatrician about available community resources.
- Contact a parent advocacy group like Family Voices of Alabama for local guidance.
- Reach out to your state legislators. Parent advocacy has driven the expansion of PPEC programs in every state that has one.
Official Alabama Resources
- Alabama Medicaid Agency -- main site for program information and eligibility
- Alabama Medicaid Provider Search -- find enrolled providers by service type and location
- Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services -- oversees Early Intervention and Children's Rehabilitation Services
- Children's of Alabama -- the state's largest pediatric hospital, with complex care resources
- Alabama Medicaid phone: (334) 242-5000
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Alabama have PPEC centers?
Yes. Alabama has a licensed PPEC program under its Medicaid system. The program serves children from birth through age 20 with medically complex conditions. However, the number of licensed centers in Alabama is limited compared to states like Florida or Texas.
How much does PPEC cost in Alabama?
PPEC in Alabama is covered by Medicaid at no cost to eligible families. There are no copays or deductibles. If your child is enrolled in Alabama Medicaid and meets the medical eligibility requirements, PPEC services are fully covered.
What conditions qualify for PPEC in Alabama?
Children with medically complex conditions that require skilled nursing qualify for PPEC. Common conditions include cerebral palsy, tracheostomy, ventilator dependency, seizure disorders, G-tube dependency, respiratory failure, and congenital heart defects. A physician must prescribe PPEC services based on your child's specific medical needs.
Can my child attend a PPEC in Florida or Georgia if we live in Alabama?
In some cases, yes. PPEC centers in bordering states that serve out-of-state Medicaid recipients can enroll as providers with your state's Medicaid program. This is most relevant for Alabama families in the southern part of the state near the Florida or Georgia border. Contact the specific PPEC center and your Alabama Medicaid plan to confirm eligibility.
How do I enroll my child in an Alabama PPEC?
Start by talking to your child's pediatrician or specialist about a PPEC referral. They will assess medical necessity and write a prescription for services. Then contact a licensed PPEC center in your area to begin enrollment. Use the Alabama Medicaid Provider Search to find providers near you.
Is Spark Pediatrics available in Alabama?
Spark Pediatrics does not currently operate centers in Alabama. We have locations across Florida and in Houston, Texas. Alabama families near the Florida or Georgia border may be able to access our Florida centers through cross-border Medicaid arrangements. View our locations or get started to learn more.
This article was reviewed for accuracy as of March 2026. PPEC regulations and provider availability change as states update their Medicaid programs. Always verify current eligibility and provider information with your state Medicaid office or a licensed PPEC provider.
Spark Pediatrics is Florida's largest PPEC provider with centers across Florida and Texas. View all locations | Learn about our services